This week the Bannockburn wine growing region has been formally registered as a Geographical Indication.
The announcement is pleasing news for the Central Otago wine industry, as it will provide legal protection for the identity of the Bannockburn sub-region, both within and outside of New Zealand.
Following the registration of the broader Central Otago wine region in 2018, Bannockburn and other Central Otago sub-regions, with the support of Central Otago Winegrowers, have been working towards registering their individual GIs as well.
COWA General Manager, Jake Tipler said “Whilst the Central Otago brand name will always be first and foremost for the region, there has always been a concern that sub-regions may also be exposed to misrepresentation.”
“Our sub-regions add complexity and nuance to the Central Otago wine story and we are very keen to see the heritage and uniqueness of these regions protected for the future.
Bannockburn will now have a higher level of protection both here and internationally and this registration helps to create a pathway for other Central Otago sub-regions to register their GIs as well.”
In 2006 the Geographical Indications (GI) (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill was passed by New Zealand’s parliament.
It was a significant step forward, enabling the wine industry to provide an international safeguard for New Zealand’s geographic names. The registration process is overseen by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office.
